Category: pacific northwest

Salmon restoration is one of the most important and visible conservation efforts across the Pacific Northwest. From mountain headwaters to tidal estuaries, salmon are a cornerstone species—supporting tribal cultures, commercial fisheries, recreational anglers, and the broader ecosystem. Recent attention on habitat restoration, dam removal, and community-led stewardship is reshaping how salmon recover and coexist with…

Mushrooms and Mycelium: Foraging, Conservation, and Culture in the Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest is one of the world’s richest regions for fungi. From old-growth temperate rainforests to mossy coastal bluffs and ash-rich inland slopes, the PNW’s damp, mild climate creates ideal conditions for a dazzling range of mushrooms. For anyone interested in outdoor recreation,…

Urban Nature Wins: How the Pacific Northwest Is Reimagining Cities with Green Infrastructure The Pacific Northwest is known for dramatic landscapes, but its cities are also becoming models for blending dense urban life with vibrant, resilient ecosystems. From rain gardens that tame stormwater to daylighted streams that restore salmon habitat, green infrastructure is reshaping how…

Protecting Pacific Northwest Salmon: What’s Working and How You Can Help Salmon are a cultural and ecological cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest. From the headwaters in mountain streams to the coastal estuaries, salmon shape food webs, support tribal and recreational fisheries, and influence the region’s identity. Yet salmon populations face persistent threats that require coordinated…

Salmon are woven into the cultural, ecological, and economic fabric of the Pacific Northwest. From coastal estuaries to mountain streams, these iconic fish shape rivers, feed wildlife, and sustain Indigenous nations. Yet salmon runs have faced persistent challenges. Understanding the threats and the restoration work under way helps communities protect rivers and keep salmon populations…

Pacific Northwest resilience: balancing wildfire, salmon recovery, and greener cities The Pacific Northwest is known for dramatic coastlines, temperate rainforests, volcanic peaks, and vibrant urban hubs. That same landscape faces interconnected challenges: warming summers that heighten wildfire risk, shifting streamflows that affect salmon runs, and growing cities that need smarter stormwater and heat management. Communities…

Native plants offer the smartest path to a beautiful, low-maintenance yard in the Pacific Northwest. With mild, wet winters and dry summers, this region favors species adapted to seasonal rainfall, acidic soils, and a maritime climate. Choosing the right natives reduces water use, supports pollinators and salmon habitat, and creates a landscape that thrives with…

Pacific Northwest Rain Gardens and Native Plant Landscaping: A Practical Guide The Pacific Northwest’s mild, wet climate and rich soils make it ideal for native plant landscaping and rain gardens that conserve water, support pollinators, and reduce stormwater runoff. Whether you’re replacing a thirsty lawn or creating a small habitat in an urban yard, focusing…

The Pacific Northwest blends dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, and a culture built around the outdoors. From moss-draped old-growth forests and alpine ridgelines to rugged coastline and thriving urban neighborhoods, the region invites exploration while demanding respect for its ecosystems and weather. Why people keep coming back The appeal is effortless: easy access to diverse environments…

Preparing a Pacific Northwest garden for a drier future The Pacific Northwest’s mix of coastal fog, mountain-fed rivers, and seasonal dry spells creates a unique gardening challenge. As weather patterns shift, many gardens need to be rethought to conserve water, support local ecosystems, and reduce wildfire risk. The following practical, site-focused strategies will help homeowners…